Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Terek Sandpiper
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Xenus cinereus
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How to recognize it
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Body length 22–25 cm
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Long bill curves clearly upward, with a yellow base and black tip
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Smoky-grey back, face and breast; white belly
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Runs quickly along mudflats, changing direction sharply
About the species
The Terek Sandpiper is ash-grey across its back, face and breast, with a white belly. A pale eyebrow crosses the grey, and its long bill curves upward, yellow at the base and black toward the tip. In flight, a broad white stripe runs along the rear edge of each wing.
It darts across mud, changing direction sharply as it chases insects and other moving prey. Its call is a high, short whistle. After catching larger prey, it may run to the water’s edge and rinse it before swallowing.
It breeds beside freshwater in the taiga, along marshy banks with low waterside plants. For winter it travels to tropical coasts in Africa, Asia and Australia, often feeding on muddy flats. Insects and their larvae dominate its breeding-season diet, while winter food also includes small molluscs and crustaceans.
Where to find
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On marshy shores of freshwater bodies during the breeding season, listen for the Terek Sandpiper's loud, rolling whistle — males give it on the ground or in low, fluttering flight.
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In winding river valleys, watch for quick dashes across muddy flats during foraging, sometimes followed by a run to flowing water to rinse a catch.
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On tropical coasts in winter, look for feeding on exposed mudflats at low tide and resting on raised mangrove roots when the tide comes in.
